Illegal Fishing: 274 Cases in 2013
9 years, 11 months ago - April 24, 2014
The Fisheries Protection Service (FPS) is stepping up its efforts to combat illegal fishing in our waters. In 2013, 274 cases were reported and 10,330 meters of illegal seines were seized.
FPS officers drew up a little more than 200 offenses under the provisions of the Fisheries and Marine Resources Act 2007.
End of 2013, an individual was arrested with 2,355 meters of illegal seines. Operation 'crackdown' was conducted by the guardians and members of the Flying Squad detectives and the regular police.
At the FPS, it says it does not skimp on the means to prevent fraudsters to continue illegal practices. Officials said the unit have established a specific program, making provision of increased patrols day and night. "This is why we recently with nine dinghies that allow us to make more rapid response at sea and more efficient service," said a senior officer of the team. The 2014 budget provides for the acquisition of additional equipment to further strengthen the fight against these illegal activities.
